How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in California

California has many pet owners and this means there is a high demand for veterinary personnel.

Becoming a vet assistant in California is one of the fastest ways to get hired.

Read on to find out what you need to do!

Requirements for a Veterinary Assistant in California

There aren’t many requirements for a future veterinary assistant.

Most of them are related to skills, age, and come from employers.

When it comes to the skills needed for this position, they’re as follows: 

• Good communication
• Able to multitask
• Stress resistant
• Time management
• Anger management
• Team player

Some of the skills are needed because you’ll work with angry or upset people as well.

A good physical condition is preferable, as handling some animals requires more strength.

According to the laws in California, individuals need only a high school diploma or GED to become a veterinarian assistant.

It’s the employers who usually require higher education or certifications than that.

The minimum age to get hired for this position is 18 years.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties

There are a number of facilities hiring veterinarian assistants in California:

• Pet clinics,
• Animal rescue facilities,
• Animal shelters
• Zoos
• Educational institutions

Depending on where you work, your duties and tasks as a vet’s assistant will differ.

Some of the most common tasks and duties include:

• Managing client records
• Keeping inventory count
• Instrument sterilization and sanitation
• Cage cleaning and disinfecting
• Preparing rooms for examining animals
• Preparing rooms for surgery
• Maintaining updated medical records
• Handling animal walking and exercise

Earning the National Certification for Veterinary Assistants in California

As per law, in California, individuals who want to become a veterinarian assistant needs:

• To be at least 18 years old
• A high school diploma or GED

In reality, employers will often ask for the national certification and sometimes even a degree in the field.

The national certification is issued by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (or NAVTA).

NAVTA will certify you as an Approved Veterinary Assistant after you pass the exam.

Only candidates who complete one of the following conditions are accepted to take the exam:

• Complete the NAVTA-approved coursework
• An internship – employment with a veterinarian is a must for this option
• Obtain experiential learning – you must be working part-time in a vet office
• Get certified while employed – you need permission to take the exam if you are already employed

The NAVTA course has a minimum duration of 6 months though it can last for up to 12 months.

No matter which method you choose for certification, you’ll need to keep the documents proving you qualify.

The examination fee is $100.

As mentioned, it’s possible to obtain other certifications and even degrees for this position.

These are awarded through:

• High schools
• Training centers
• Community colleges
• Online programs

Remember that each of these institutions will have different requirements for acceptance into their programs.

Some of the shortest classes are 72 hours in length and the youngest age at which you can enroll is 16.

The curriculum of these courses will cover these subjects, and not only:

• How to identify different breeds
• Animal anatomy
• The best ways to administer meds
• How to administer post-operative care
• Handling various breeds of animals
• Medical terminology
• Handling chemicals

The shortest duration for a degree is 2 years.

The following schools offer both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees for future veterinarian assistants.

Be aware that you are not ensured to obtain the NAVTA certificate through a degree program.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in California

In California, salaries for vet assistants are higher compared to other states.

Your salary will also be influenced by the city you work in, your credentials, as well as the type of facility employing you.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in California

Additional Information for Veterinary Assistants in California

Individuals who obtained the certification from NAVTA need to have it renewed.

The renewal period is after every 2 years.

The process involves the payment of a fee as well as continuing their education with relevant classes.